Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum is the bling king

April 20, 2010October 29, 2011 Omar Rana 2010, Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum, SUVs

Though Hummer SUV”s will be absent from the fuel-efficient future of General Motors, those consumer who long for the blinged out lap of luxury are not without options; the 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum (the Platinum seems to emphasize what seems like a 1,000 pounds of chrome that comes standard on the behemoth SUV) will more than suit their tastes.

Measuring in at a whopping 22-inches longer than the standard body Escalade, the ESV Platinum stands as the king of luxury SUV”s with its third-row, extra horsepower, and nine extra cubic feet of cargo space than its top competitor, the Lincoln Navigator L (the L indicating the Long wheelbase).

Make the jump to read more and to view our high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the post).

Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum:

2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum AWD Specifications:

Base Price: $86,680 (Standard Escalade ESV starts at $65,100)
Price as Tested: $87,890.
Engine: 6.2L V8 – 403-hp / 417 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 6-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 automatic.
Curb Weight: 5,943 lbs.
0 to 60 mph: 7.5 seconds.
Fuel-Economy: 12/19 mpg (city/highway).

Exterior:

For 2010, Cadillac is offering the Escalade in three different body styles; the standard Escalade, the extended-length Escalade ESV, and the unique luxury sport-utility truck, the Escalade EXT. Our stretched ESV stood 22-inches longer than the standard body and with the opulent Platinum package (available on both lengths) added a new CTS inspired grille and front fascia, super-bright LED headlights, and impressive 22-inch chrome wheels.

Depending on the package one goes for – Base, Luxury, Premium, or Platinum – the 2010 Escalade ESV comes with a plethora of upgraded exterior features including; automatic LED daytime running headlamps, heated mirrors, power driver and passenger side mirrors, running boards, a full-size spare tire, luggage rack, integrated turn signal mirrors, and remote trunk release, among others. As an option, one can upgrade the standard 18-inch wheels to 22-inch chrome ones, and add a sunroof.

Though the ESV sits on a wheelbase that is 14-inches longer and carries a body over 20-inches longer than the standard Escalade, it doesn”t sacrifice proportionality. Nonetheless, finding a parking spot big enough for this titan will take some effort.

Interior:

Quality has returned to the General Motors family, and especially at Cadillac. Gone are the hard plastics of recent interiors, as they have been replaced with soft-touch rubber materials and leather overlays wherever possible. It is no wonder that celebrities, athletes, and moguls are enticed by this vehicle; the interior is as plush and luxurious as they come and carries a strong set of technological features as standard equipment.

Without regard to options packages, the 2010 Escalade comes standard with dual-zone climate control, rear climate control, navigation, leather appointed heated/cooled power seats, premium sound system complete with rear seat audio control, iPod/AUX inputs, and XM Satellite Radio with 3-month trial subscription, rear parking assist with rearview camera, driver and passenger lumbar support, Bluetooth connectivity, and remote vehicle start plus much more.

Opting for the ESV Platinum pits you comfortably in the lap of luxury as every single feature comes standard. In addition to everything mentioned, it offers an upgraded instrument panel, center storage console, and hand-stitched and wrapped center storage console and door trim that feature decorative French seams which convey a look and feel of nothing less than elegant tailoring. The use of quality materials is extremely evident on the leather instrument panel, aluminum trim, and olive ash and walnut burl wood inlays.

Other amenities include door-sill plates, heated/cooled cup-holders, heated steering wheel, and a DVD entertainment system that features front headrest screens in addition to the existing roof-mounted screen. Each screen features its own set of controls and inputs, while giving the driver a master control over the entire system, enabling passengers to use their screens separately or in tandem, but leaving the driver with ultimate control. Platinum models include Bose”s acclaimed 5.1 Digital Surround system, and eight-inch touch screens for DVD-based navigation and control over the DVD, CD, MP3, and XM inputs.

One could conceivably live out of this truck, as GM has spared no feature.

Performance:

Our 2010 Cadillac escalade ESV Platinum drew its power from a 6.2L V8 that put out 403-hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. However, weighing nearly 6,000 pounds, the engine did not provide a for the sporty ride the engine numbers indicate, and acceleration seemed a bit burdensome and labored. Mated to a 6-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 automatic, the ESV Platinum averages an EPA estimated fuel-economy of 12/19 mpg (city/highway). Premium fuel is recommended however, but not required.

The Platinum also represents the first SUV application of Cadillac”s advanced Magnetic Ride Control, originally developed for performance vehicles such as the CTS-V and Chevrolet Corvette. Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) is the world”s fastest reacting suspension system and offers extremely precise body motion control. Even with MRC however, the ESV is not a nimble vehicle, but it does provide a stable, controlled, and comfortable ride.

Overall:

The ESV stands a far cry away from where GM”s SUV program stood last summer; the automaker had put development of large full-size SUV”s on hold as it faced Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the recession, and extremely volatile gas prices.

Times have certainly changed and GM is now in development of their next-generation of full-size SUV”s, expected to hit roads in three years. The next generation will remain on GM”s rear-wheel-drive platform, and not the Lambda large crossover platform, as originally anticipated.

With an MSRP of $84,180 for the RWD model and $86,680 for the AWD model, the 2010 Escalade ESV Platinum stands as rather pricey for the average consumer. Unless you absolutely need ultra-luxury for school runs and soccer practice, we would recommend the Chevy Suburban or GMC Yukon XL; two offerings – also by GM – which offer nearly as much power for considerably less money.